19 September 2016 Current Affairs: Scientists in the United States including those of Indian origin have successfully grown three-dimensional (3D) lungs in the lab, using stem cells. The 3D lungs or organoids was created by coating tiny gel beads with lung-derived stem cells and then allowing them to self-assemble into the shapes of the air sacs found in human lungs.

To show that these tiny organoids mimicked the structure of actual human lungs, researchers compared it with real sections of human lung. Significance: The laboratory-grown 3D lungs can be used to study diseases including Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) which has been difficult to study using conventional methods and also test possible treatments for the lung diseases.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) : IPF is a chronic lung disease characterised by scarring of the lungs. The scarring makes the lungs thick and stiff. It results in progressively worsening shortness of breath and thus results in lack of oxygen to the brain and vital organs.

Though researchers do not know what causes IPF in all cases but cigarette smoking and exposure to certain types of dust can increase the risk of developing the disease.

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